Dispensing package for liquids



May 17, 1938. B. F. CAHOON DISPENSING PACKAGE FOR LIQUIDS Filed sept.' 1e 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet l May 17, 1938- B. F. cAHooN DISPENSING PACKAGE FOR LIQUIDS Filed sept. 1e, 195e 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR www @le d TTORNYS May 17, 193s. E, F, CAHOON 2,117,296

DISPENSING PACKAGE FOR LIQUIDS Filed Sept. 16, 1956 4 Sheecs-Sheeil 3 May 17, 1938 B. F. cAHooN 2,117,296

DISPENSING PACKAGE vFOR LIQUIDS Filed Sept. 16, 1936 `4 Sheets-Sheet 4 /3'3 lNvENToR n L( ATTORNEY Patented May 17, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Brent F. Cahoon, Forest Hills, N. Y., assignor to Captive Closures, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application September 16, 1936, Serial No. 101,046

38 Claims.

This invention relates to dispensing packages for liquids.

It has been proposed to package hand lotions and similar products in such a manner that the contents can be ejected in the form of jets by a pumping action. Such packages as heretofore known, however, have been subject to various objections and disadvantages. For example, in these previously known devices, the pump-actuating element has necessarily been an extraneous part of one sort or another, resulting in a rather unsightly or ungainly package. A further result of such extraneous pumping elements is that their asymmetrical shape or their unduly extended dimensions, make packing for shipment somewhat complicated and expensive.

It is an object of the present invention'to provide an improved dispensing package of the type mentioned that avoids the objections and disadvantages above referred to and that is attractive in appearance, simple in construction and economical to pack.

More-particularly it is an object of the invention to provide a dispensing package in which a container cap serves the double function of a closure and a pump-actuating element.

With these and other objects in View, the invention consists in the features, combinations, details of construction and arrangements of parts that will rst be described in connection with the accompanying drawings and then more particularly pointed out.

In the drawings- Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view, with parts in elevation, of a package, including container and cap, constructed in accordance with the invention;

Figure 2 is a similar view, showing the cap open and the container inverted for dispensing;

4 Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure l, showing a modication;

Figures 4 and 5 are views similar to Figures 1 and 2, showing a further modification;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary sectional view showing still another modification;

Figures 7 and 8 are views similar to Figures 1 and 2, showing what is now considered the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view showing a modification of part of the construction shown in Figures 7 and 8;

Figures 10 and 11, 12 and 13, 14 and 15 are, respectively, views similar to Figures 1 and 2,

showing three additional modifications;

(c1. azi-147) Figure 16 is a sectional view taken on the broken line lli-I6 of Figure 7;

Figure 17 is a similar view taken on the line I'l--I'l of Figure 8;

Figure 18 is a fragmentary view in elevation 5 of one form of attachment, and

Figure 19 is a detail sectional View showing a plug valve and its seat in somewhat exaggerated form.

Referring to the drawings, the embodiment l0 illustrated as an example in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a container in the form of a glass bottle or flask 25 having a neck 26. Associated with this container, in forming the complete package, is a cap 2l having a skirt 28 which telescopes over 15 the bottle neck. This cap may conveniently be formed of molded material.

The invention in its entirety includes interengaging elements on cap and container for releasably locking or holding the cap in closed posi- 0 tion. This may conveniently be accomplished by complementary screw threads. To this end, as shown, near the base of the bottle neck is a short external thread 29 and near the bottom of the cap skirt is a corresponding internal thread 30. 25

In this connection, it is noted that although the package will ordinarily be inverted for dispensing, the terms top, bottom, up, down and the like, will be used herein as referring to the upright position of the container, unless 30 otherwise specified.

According to the invention in its entirety, the cap, upon disengagement of the threads, becomes a pump-actuating element. To this end, there is provided means whereby the cap is capable of 35 a limited axial reciprocation with respect to the bottle neck when the threads 29, 30 are disengaged. In this connection, the term axial movement is used to distinguish from the helical movement during engagement of the threads. 40 Although capable of various constructions, in that shown as an example in Figures 1 and 2, carried by the bottle neck, in a manner later described, is an outwardly and downwardly extending locking or limiting flange 3l, located not far below 45 the bottle mouth. Just above the cap thread 38 is an internal stop shoulder 32 arranged to engage flange 3l upon upward movement of the cap, to limit such movement and lock the cap against removal. The ange 3l and shoulder 32 50 and the method of assembling the same are hereinafter more fully referred to. Axial movement in the `opposite direction is limited by the engagement of the threads 29, 3U, which thus serve as stops.A 55

Upon disengagement of the threads, the cap free to be reciprocated between the limits specied, the cap movement being guided or steadied by the sliding contact of flange 3| with the inner Wall of the cap skirt.

For convenience of description, the position of the cap when screwed down on the bottle thread, as in Figure 1, will be referred to as the closed position and the position of the cap when displaced axially until the stop shoulder engages the locking flange, as in Figure 2, will be referred to as the open position. This terminology also applies to the several modifications hereinafter described.

There is provided means for tending to keep the cap in open position when the threads 29, 30' are disengaged. To this end, in the present eX- emplication, a coiled sprl-ng 33 is confined:v between flange 3| and the top wall of the cap. As. soon as the threads are disengaged, the cap being free, spring 33 movesthe cap to thev open position of Figure'2.

The invention. in its entirety includes a barrel, lin the nature of a pump barrel, carried by the container andl a pump plunger operated by the cap. Although capable ofv various constructions, in that shown as an example in Figures l and 2, extending downv into the bottle neck andl supported therefrom as later described, is a metal barrel 34. Reciprocable in. this barrelis a pump plunger 35. In the present exempliflcation, the operative connection between the plunger and cap is effected by making the plunger integral with the cap. The plunger has a central. bore 36 which communicates with a port 31 in the top of the cap, bore and port constituting a discharge passage.

The barrel is provided with a plurality of controlled inlet ports. In the exempliflcation illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the inlet'l ports are plunger controlled. To this end, the lower endv of the barrel is closed and near the upper end are a plurality of inlet ports 38. These ports are so located as to be just cleared by the plunger when the cap is in open position (Figure 2.).

The invention in its entirety includes means for closing the discharge passage when the cap is in closed position. While this may conveniently be accomplished in various ways, a convenient construction includes a plug valve cooperating with a valve seat formed as part of the defining wall of the discharge passage. To this end, as shown as an example in Figures 1 and 2, the lower mouth of bore 36 is tapered tov form a frusto-conical valve seat 39. Cooperating therewith is a conical hollow plug valve 40 forming part of the bottom of barrel 34. The parts are sov arranged that when the cap is screwed down to` closed: position, valve seat 39 is forced tightly against plug valve 46 to seal the discharge passage. The valve and valve seat and the sealing operation are more fully described hereinafter.

In the embodiment illustrated as an example in Figures 1 and 2, the locking flange 3| and the pump barrel 34 are parts of an attachment unit permanently secured to the bottle neck. As shown, the attachment unit includes a metal clamp ring 4| which embraces the mouth ofthe bottle. This ring has an inwardly extending V-shaped bend or bead 42 which locks under a shoulder 43 formed by a so-called lock ring 44 at the bottle mouth. This lock ring is similar to the lock ring provided on bottles sealed by closures of the crown cork type. The clamp ring 4i also has an inturned clamping flange 45- which takes over the lip of the bottle. The pump barrel 34 is suspended by means of an outwardly extending supporting flange 46 clamped between clamp ange 45 and the bottle lip.

Clamped between supporting flange 46 and clamp flange 43 is a compressible gasket 4`| of cork, felt or other suitable material. This gasket performs several functions. It serves to prevent leakage from the barrel. Its inner peripheral edge makes wiping contact with plunger 35 lso that it serves as a pump packing. As the cap moves into closed position, the gasket is engaged and compressed by a shouldered portion of the top wall of the cap, as appears in Figure 1. This compression not only augments the sealing effeet of the gasket but also has a relation with the sealing of the discharge passage, as more fully referred to hereinafter.

Compressed between flange 46 and the bottle lip is a second gasket 48 which serves to prevent leakage from the container up over the bottle lip.

Certain features of construction of the bead 42 and the bottle locking ring 44 and the method of assembling the same are hereinafter referred to. Once assembled, the. combined gripping action of bead 42 and clamp flange 45 securely clamps the attachment unit to the container. This unit, in addition to the clamp ring itself, includesv gas` kets 4l, 48, the pump barrel 34, and locking flange 3| which is formed as an extension of one leg of V-shaped bend 42.

Figure 1 illustrates the package closed for shipment, storage and when not in use. So closed, leakage is` effectively prevented by the plug valve 40 and the gaskets 4l, 48.

When it is desired to obtain an application of the hand lotion or other contents, the cap is unscrewed until the threads 29, 33 disengage, thus freeing the cap which thereupon becomes a pump-actuating element. Spring 33 causes the cap to move upwardly until shoulder 32 engages flange 3|. During this opening movement, valve seat 39 moves away from plug 40, thus opening the discharge passage, and plunger 35 clears ports 38, thus opening communication between the pump chamber and the container.

It will be apparent that to dispense the contents, the bottle must be inverted. Whether the cap is opened before or after inversion is immaterial. If before, the opening stroke will ordinarily be an idle one and one or more reciprocations of the cap, in the nature of priming strokes, will be necessary after inversion. If the cap is opened after inversion, such priming operation may be found necessary. For the purposes of the present description, it will be assumed that the cap is unscrewed and opened after the bottle is inverted (Figure 2) and that no priming action is involved.

The movement of the capl to open position and the consequent movement of plunger 35 may be termed the suction stroke of the pump unit. In the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2, the discharge passage, during this stroke, is open to atmosphere. This would ordinarily mean that there would be no actual suction effect. But the bore 36 is, in practice, very small, for example, of the order of .050 of an inch in diameter, and it is believed that some suction exists. In any event, the stroke is analogous to the stroke in embodiments later described in which the discharge passage is closed to atmosphere. Consequently, the term suction stroke is used throughout.

`As a result ofthis suction stroke with the'bo-ttle 15 least part of the suction stroke.

inverted into some such position as shown in Figure 2, liquid 49 is drawn into the pump chamber of barrel 34 by gravity or suction or both. Since bore 36 is so small and since hand lotions and the like are thickish liquids, there will ordinarily be no ow through the discharge passage pending the action of the pump. In any event, the drawings, for simplicity show no liquid in the passage.

It will be apparent that the dispensing operation may be carried out in various ways. For example, the bottle may be held in one hand and the pump-actuating cap recprocated by a finger of that hand. Or the cap may be actuated by the palm of the other hand. In any event, the capi is moved toward the bottle until thread 30 engages thread 29, the threads serving as stops. This is the compression or expelling stroke of the pump unit. The movement of plunger 35 first closes inlet ports 38 and then causes a charge to be forced out through the discharge passage 36, 3'! in the form of a jet. As only a small quantity is delivered on each force stroke, the user will ordinarily give the pumping cap several rapid reciprocations. Each suction stroke causes or permits the intake of a charge and each force stroke ejects a charge. After use, the cap is rotated to engage the threads and is screwed down tight to seal the package, as in Figure 1.

Instead of having the bottle held in the hand it may be supported in a permanently inverted position. If supported by a holder which grips the cap, the relative rotary movement to disengage the threads and the relative axial movement to expel the charge are effected by moving the bottle instead of the cap.

With the construction described, there is no protruding or otherwise extraneous pumping element. As a result, the package is neat and attractive in appearance and can be readily and economically packed for shipment.

It will be noted that when the threads are disengaged, the cap is free to swivel and is operable as a pumping `element in any angular position. This avoids the necessity of any positioning or the like on the part of the user, and any attempt to turn the cap results merely in an idle and harmless rotation.

Figure 3 illustrates a modification in which the inlet ports of the pump barrel are Valve-controlled instead of being plunger-controlled. To this end, as here shown as an example, a pump barrel 56 is supported in the same manner as the barrel 34 of Figure l. In the bottom of this barrel are a plurality of inlet ports 5|. These ports are controlled by a valve in the form` of a iloating washer 52 which seats on the flat port 54 of the bottom of the barrel surrounding the ports 5|. Rising from the bottom of the barrel, inside the row of ports 5|, is a hollow plug valve 53. Movement of the floating valve is limited by nibs 55 struck in from the wall of the barrel. Except for the features mentioned, the construction is the same as that of Figures l and 2. When the bottle is inverted for use, valve 52 moves away from its seat by suction or gravity or both, thus opening the inlet ports and permitting the container contents to flow into the pump chamber. On the compression stroke of the plunger, the valve is forced back against its seat to close the ports. Otherwise, the operation isl the same as that above described.

The invention in its entirety includes means for shutting olf the discharge passage during at This may be accomplished in various ways. For example, a shut off during the entire stroke may be conveniently accomplished by .a check valve. Or, as a further example, the passage may be closed during the first part of the suction stroke by causing the valve which normally closes the passage to maintain its closing action during part of the suction stroke.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which both types of shut off are utilized. As there shown as an example, a bottle 6l) has a neck 6| provided with a short thread 62. The cap 63 has a skirt 64 with an internal thread 65. Within the bottle neck is a barrel 66 having an extension 61 of smaller diameter and closed at the bottom. The annulus 68 connecting the two portions of the barrel serves as a valve seat and is provided with a plurality of intake ports 69. These ports are controlled by a floating valve washer 10 which functions in the same manner as the valve 52 of Figure 3.

In the exempliication of Figures 4 and 5, the barrel 66 is an integral part of the attachment unit. To this end, a clamp ring 1|, generally corresponding to the clamp ring of Figures 1-3, is connected with the barrel by ilat portion 12 which serves the dual function of a clamp ange for the attachment and a supporting flange for the barrel. The attachment unit has a V-shaped bend or bead '|3 which locks under the bottle shoulder 14 in the same manner as previously described. One leg of the V is extended t o= form a locking flange 'l5 like the flange 3i. On the cap skirt is a shoulder 16 for engaging flange l5 to limit axial movement of the cap. Confined between the ilange and the top wall of the cap is a spring for moving the cap to open position. Between the clamp flange T2 and the lip of the bottle is compressed a sealing gasket 18 and between the top of the cap and clamp flange 12 is a compressible gasket 19. This gasket performs the same sealing function as the gasket 43 of Figure l but it is not used as a packing. In closed position of the cap, gasket 1.6 is engaged and compressed by the top wall of the cap.

In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the pump plunger, for convenience of manufacture, is formed in two parts assembled as a unit. To this end, as here shown as an example, extending into the barrel and slidable therein is a tubular plunger element 80 intergral with the cap. Rigidly secured in this tubular element by a drive fit or otherwise, is plunger insert 8| having an outwardly turned flange 82 overlapping the lower end of tubular element B6. This insert may conveniently be formed of aluminum or other suitable metal. Compressed between flange 82 and the end of element 8|] is a gasket 83, of felt or other suitable material, which makes wiping contact with the pump barrel and serves as a pump packing.

When assembled, the parts Bil, 3| constitute a pump plunger which is, in effect, an integral part of the cap. The plunger and cap have a discharge passage comprising a lower bore 84, a chamber 85 and a port S6. The bottom of chamber 85, where it communicates with bore 84, is dished to form a valve seat for a ball check valve 8l. This valve is normally held to its seat by a spring S8.

As in the embodiments previously described, the discharged passage is closed, when the cap is in closed position, by a plug valve. In the present embodiment, however, the plug valve is movable during part of the cap movement, whereby it maintains its passage-closing action during Dart Uli of the suction stroke of the cap. To this end, as here shown as an example, the mouth of bore 84- is formed. with a frusto-conical valve seat 89'. Cooperating therewith is a hollow plug valve 90 the skirt of which extends downwardly into barrel extension 57. and terminates in an enlarged sleeve 9| having a sliding t in the extension.

Housed within the plug 90 and bearing against the bottom of the barrel extension is a spring 92 which tends to hold the plug against the valve seat. When the cap moves to open position. that is,` during the suction stroke of the plunger, plug 9,0V tends to follow the plunger by virtue of spring 92. This movement, however, is limited by the engagement of a shoulder 93, formed by enlarged sleeve 9|, with nibs 94 struck in from the wall of barrel extension 61. The parts are so arranged that the plug is checked in its following movement prior to the end of the suction or opening` stroke of the cap, whereby the discharge passage is opened in readiness for the expelling stroke.

The invention in its entirety includes means for preventing or tending to prevent the ejection of uid during the latter' part of the movement of the cap into closed position. This may be conveniently accomplished by a vent which is opened during the latter part of the closing movement of the capv and which by-passes liquid remaining in the barrel back to the bottle. In structures embodying the invention to whatv is now considered the best advantage, this vent will be controlled by the movable plug unit.

As shown as an example in Figures 4 and 5, formed in the wall of barrel extension El are a plurality. of ports 95 located just below nibsV 94. These ports are controlled by sleeve 9 which thus performs the additional function of a shutter. During the latter part of the suction stroke and the rst part of the expelling stroke, plug 60 is in its advanced position, whereby sleeve 9| closes ports 95 (Figure 5.). During the latter part of the movement of the cap. toward closing position, the plunger 80, 8| engages plug 90 and forces it back againstv its spring, whereby sleevey 9| uncovers ports 95 (Figure 4). During the nal movement of the cap into closing position, therefore, such movement including the thread-engaging rotation, any liquid remaining in the barrel is by-passed back into the bottle instead of being ejected. This does not necessarily mean that the pump chamber will be entirely emptied but thatl if, under the compression of the plungers stroke, the liquid must be forced somewhere, it will be by-passed and not forced out the discharge passage. The construction described tends to prevent the accumulation of liquid on the cap following a dispensing operation.

The operation is generally like the operation of thef embodiments already described. Figure 4 illustrates the cap in closed position. When the threads are disengaged, the cap is moved to open position by spring 1l. During this suction stroke, ball valve 81. being held toits seat by its spring, shuts oi communication between the pump chamber and atmosphere so that there is set up an increased suction effect. The bottle having been invertedy floating valve 10 is moved away from its seat by gravity or suction or both and liquid is drawn into the pump chamber by gravity or suction or both (Figure 5). During the unscrewing of the cap and the earlier part of the suction stroke, plug valve 90 follows the plunger, keeping the discharge passage closed. But as soon asshoulder 93 engages nibs 94, the plug unit is checked and the valve seat moves away, openingv the discharge passage. In this checked position of the plug unit, sleeve 9|, functioning as a shutter, closes ports 95 (Figure 5).

'I'he capV is then moved toward the bottle to eiect the forcing or expelling stroke of the pump unit. The compression thus set up causes noating valve 70' to re-seat andv close the inlet ports. It also causes a charge to be ejected through the discharge passage, ball valve 81 being forced away from its seat, against its spring, to permit passage of the charge.

During the latter part of the compression stroke, the plunger picks up plug valve 90 and moves the plug unit back against its spring, uncovering ports 95. Duri-ng the end of this stroke and, if the bottle is being closed, during the screwing down of the cap, any charge remaining in the pump chamber will be by-passed back into the bottle via ports 95. As the plunger thus picks up the plug 90 and moves it back, the contact is a more or less loose one. By the time the threads start to engage, if the cap is to be closed, the plug unit has bottomed in the barrel extension so as to be, in effect, stationary during the screwing down of the cap.

If desired, the check valve 81 may be omitted. In that case, a certain amount of suction effect is still attained, inasmuch as the discharge passage is closed to atmosphere during the first part of the suction stroke by the plug valve.

It will be apparent that a check valve may be utilized with a stationary plug valve. Figure 6 illustrates an example of such a modification, the plunger being the same as that of Figure 4, including a ball check valve, and the barrel and plug being the same as in the construction of Figure 3.

In each of the embodiments previously cle- -scribed, the discharge passage is closed, in closed position of the cap, by a plug valve at the lower or inner end of the passage. It is to be understood that other positions for the plug valve are possible and that other forms of valve may be used. Figures '7 and 8 illustrate, by way of example, an embodiment in which the discharge passage is closed by a plug valve at the discharge port. This embodiment is now considered the preferred form of the invention.

In the construction there shown, bottle neck 99 has a short thread 99 and the skirt |00 of cap has a corresponding thread |02. Secured to the container neck is an attachment unit comprising a clamp ring |03, a clamp iiange ISIS, a V-shaped bend |95 and a locking ange |05. The V-shaped bend takes under the shoulder |0'| of a bottle locking ring |08 and the clamp flange |04 takes over the bottle lip to secure the attachment in place in the manner previously described'.

The attachment unit also includes a pump barrel |09 having a supporting flange |I0 by which i-t is suspended in the neck of the bottle. Between this flange and the bottle lip is compressed a sealing gasket and between the clamp flange |04 and supporting flange H0 is a compressible gasket ||2 of cork, felt or other suitable material. This latter gasket, like the corresponding gasket 41: of Figure 1, serves to prevent leakage from the barrel and has a wiping contact with the pump plunger, thus serving as a packing.

Integral with the cap and extending into the barrel with a sliding fit is a pump plunger H5.

Surrounding. the upper end of this plunger is an annular recess IIIi in which is housed a coiled spring II which bears against washer II2. This spring performs a dual function. It tends to move the cap to open position when the threads are disengaged and it also tends to compress washer II2 and squeeze it radially inwardly.

On the interior cf the cap skirt is a shoulder I8 which engages flange |66 to limit axial movement of the cap.

The barrel |139 has an extension |I9 of smaller diameter, closed by a rounded bottom |20. The annulus |24 connecting the two portions of the barrel forms a valve seat and is provided with a plurality of inlet ports I 2 I. These ports are controlled by a floating washer valve |22 the movement of which is limited by struck-in nibs I 23.

Centrally located in the flat top of the cap is a discharge port |25 the defining wall of which is tapered to form a frustro-conical valve seat |26. Port |25 is in communication with the internal bore I2'I of the plunger I I5, bore and port constituting the discharge passage. Cooperating with valve seat I 26 isa hollow frustro-conical plug valve |23 carried on the end of a tube |29. This tube extends down through the bore IZ'I into the barrel extension IIB and terminates in an enlarged sleeve i3?! slidable in the extension. This sleeve, in addition to guiding the plug unit in itsV movement, also serves as a shutter to control ports |3I formed in the barrel extension I I9. A spring |32, confined between the shoulder |33, formed by the conjunction of tube |29 and sleeve |341, and the bottom of the barrel extension, tends to hold the plug valve to its seat |25. Movement of the plug unit is limited by struck-in nibs |34 which are engaged by shoulder |33.

In the closed position of the cap, as appears in Figure '7, plug |28 closes the discharge passage by plugging port |25. In this position, the top of the plug valve is substantially flush with the top of the cap. As a result of this construction, the closed cap presents a neat apearance; the user has visual evidence that the passage is closed; the entrance of dirt or foreign matter into the passage during non-use is prevented; and the exclusion of air during non-use tends to prevent the drying out of any liquid that may accumulate in and around the discharge passage.

While the locking flange H16 and the cooperating shoulder IIB may be constructed and assembled in various ways, in the embodiment shown as an example in Figures 'l and 8, the flange is substantially circular. The shoulder I|8 is so formed, as appears more fully in Figure 17, that its inner edge defines an oval or ellipse. The major axis of this oval is somewhat greater than the diameter of the lower, contacting edge of flange |06; the minor axis is somewhat less than such diameter. Since this inner edge of the shoulder substantially vanishes at two diametrically opposite points, the shoulder is, from one point of view, composed of two sections. These sections may be further described as thin crescents. For convenience of description, however, the shoulder may be considered as a single shoulder. i

In the assembly of the parts, the attachment unit may be inserted in the cap before attachment to the bottle or the cap may be applied after the attachment unit is in place on the bottle. In either event, when the ange and shoulder make engagement during assembly, application of the necessary force or pressure causes the somewhat yieldable metal iiange to be deformed to oval shape. As this oval is slightly smaller than the oval defined by the shoulder, the shoulder can pass the flange. Thereupon, the ange returns to its circular form by virtue of its inherent resiliency. Once assembled, the parts are so arranged that enough shoulder underlies the edge of the ange to perform the locking or limiting function. Moreover, it will be apparent that the locking contact is effectiveregardless of the relative angular position of cap and attachment since the shoulder crescents need not engage any particular part oi' the flange.

Once assembled, there is no danger of a disassembly under any normal circumstances. In the first place, the force normally exerted is insufficient to deform the flange. In the second place, what pressure there is, is exerted, as respects the ange, from below rather than, as in assembling, from above. This upward pressure tends, if anything. to bend the flange outwardly, thus augmenting rather than diminishing the degree of overlapping contact.

In the several embodiments illustratedhin Figures l and 2, 3, 4 and 5, 10 and 11, 12 and 13 and 14 and 15, respectively, no detailed views of the corresponding locking flange and stop shoulder have been shown. It is to be understood, however, that these elements, in each case, are constructed as in the embodiment of Figures 'l andfS.

While the fiange and shoulder arrangement just described are considered particularly advantageous,` it will be understood that other constructions and methods of assembly are possible and a further example is referred to hereinafter.

The attachment unit and bottle neck may also be constructed and assembled in various ways. In the exemplification illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the V-shaped bend |05 of the attachment is pre-formed and is substantially circular. The bottle neck is so formed that the bottle locking ring |08 is oval or elliptical in outline. The major axis of this oval, as appears in Figure 16, is slightly greater than the diameter of the apex of V-shaped bend |05; the minor axis is somewhat less than such diameter.

In the assembly of the bottle and the attachment unit, when the V-shaped bend and bottle locking ring make engagement, application of the necessary force or pressure causes the somewhat yieldable metal of the V-bend to be deformed to oval shape. As this oval is slightly larger than the oval of the bottle locking ring, the bend can pass the ring. Thereupon, the V-bend returns to circular form by virtue of its inherent resiliency and snaps under shoulder |531. While the overlap vanishes at two opposite points, there is sufficient overlap to hold the attachment in place. It is to be noted, moreover, that since this overlap can take eifect with respect to any part of the V-bend, the attachment unit may be assembled in any relative angular position with respect to the bottle.

In the several embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, 3, 4 and 5, 10 and ll, 12 and 13 and 14 and 15, respectively, no detailed views of the corresponding V-shaped bend and bottle locking ring have been shown. It is to be understood, however, that these elements, in each case, are

constructed as in the embodiment of Figures "lV and 8.

While the arrangement just described is considered particularly advantageous, it will be understood that other constructions and methods of assembly are possible. For example, the V-bencl may be formed during assembly by a spinning operation. In that case, the shoulder of the bottle locking ring may be circular.

A further example is illustrated in Figure 18. On the bottle neck |36 is an attachment comprising a clamp ring |31 having a V-shaped bend y'|38 which takes under the shoulder of the bottle locking ring (not shown) Thisshoulder, in .this case, is preferably circular, as is the attachment. The lower leg of the V of bend |38 is extended to form a locking flange |39. The attachmentJ is provided with a series of V-shaped cuts or slits |40 which extend from the edge of the locking flange into the V-bend as appears in Figure 1'8.

In the assembly of the attachment unit and bottle, when the `V-bend and bottle locking ring` make engagement, application of the necessary force or pressure causes the slitted V-bend to expand suiiciently to pass the locking ring. Thereupon, the bend returns to initial form by virtue of its inherent resiliency and snaps under the shoulder of the bottle locking ring.

When the attachment unit of Figure 18 is used, the shoulder on the cap which engages ange |39 to limit the cap movement may be circular in form, its inner diameter being less than the diameter of the rim of flange |39. During assembly, the application of suicient liorce between the shoulder and flange causes the slitted flange to contract suihciently to permit .the shoulder to pass. Thereupon, the ange returns to normal condition by virtue of its inherent resiliency and so overlaps the cap shoulder.

It is to be understood that the modication of Figure 18 may be substituted in any of the embodiments above described or hereinafter described.

In the use of the package -illustrated in Figures '1 and 8, the operation is generally like that previously described. When the cap is closed, leakage is effectively prevented by plug valve |28 and gaskets and I2. When the cap is unscrewed to disengage the threads, spring ||1 causes the cap to be moved to `open position, this position being fixed by the engagement of shoulder ||8 with ange |86. During the first part of this opening movement of the cap, spring |32 causes the unit comprising plug valve |728 to follow lthe cap, thus maintaining the discharge passage closed and effecting a suction action. As soon as shoulder |33 ofthe plug unit engages nibs |34, movement of the plug is checked, sleeve |39 closing ports |3I. Continued movement of the cap causes valve seat |26 to be moved away from vplug |28, thus opening the discharge passage. The bottle being then or previously inverted, valve |22 moves away from its seat by suction or gravity or both, opening inlet ports |2|. Liquid is drawn into the pump chamber by suction or gravity or both (Figure 8). Upon reverse movement `of the cap for the forcing stroke, the compression set up causes valve |22 to close and forces a charge out through the discharge passage. As soon as the cap engages plug |28 .during this stroke, the plug unit is forced .back .against spring |32, closing the discharge passage and opening ports |3|. During the latter part of the forcing stroke, therefore, and, if the cap is to be closed, during the final helical cap movement, any of the charge remaining in the pump chamber is by-passed back to the bottle via ports I3 v Figure 9 illustrates a modication of part of the constructions shown in Figures 7 and 8. The barrel extension |43 has a dished bottom |44, surrounding which is an annular portion |45. The extension has ports |46 but nibs corresponding to the nibs |34 are omitted. The plug unit comprises a tube, like-tube |29, terminating in an enlarged sleeve |41 slidable in the barrel extension. Between the bottom |44 of the extension and tube shoulder |48 is conned a spring |49. Sleeve |41 has a plurality of .tongues |50 which extend downwardly through suitable openings in the annular portion |45 ofthe barrelextension and terminate in hooked ends |5|. Upward movement of the plug unit is limited by the engagement of hooked ends |58 with the barrel extension. Otherwise the construction is the same as that of Figures 7 and 8.

In the embodiment of Figures 3-6, a portion of the plunger unit is formed as a separate part but is soassembled as to constitute, in eiect, an integral part of the cap. Figures 10 and 11 illustrate, by way of example, a modification in which the plunger as a Whole is similarly associated with the cap.

As there shown, the attachment unit, including the pump barrel, is substantially the same as in the embodiment of Figure 3. While the cap |55 is of different shape yand form, the threaded engagement with the bottle and the stop shoulder for engaging the locking flange to linut opening movement of the cap are substantially the same as i-n the Figure 3 construction.

Slidable in the pump barrel is a cylindrical pump plunger |56 formed of a suitable metal such as aluminum. The upper Aend of this plunger, which is a slightly reduced diameter, is secured by a driving fit or in other suitable manner in a socket |51 formed as an integral part of the cap. Thus, the plunger is, in eff-ect, integral with the cap. The plunger |56 has a central vertical bore |58 communicating with a chamber |59 which, in turn, communicates with a port |768 inthe ltop of the cap, bore, chamber and port constituting the discharge passage.

At the junction of vbore |58 and `chamber |59 is a dished valve seat for a ball check valve |6|. This valve is normally held to its seat by a spring |62 housed in chamber |59. The lower mouth of the bore |58 is formed as a tapered valve seat for receiving the plug valve of the attachment unit. A spring (i3 confined between the top Wall of the cap and the clamp flange of the attachment unit serves to move vthe cap to open position when the threads are disengaged.

It is believed that the operation of the embodiment of Figures 10 and 11 will be clear from the above without further description.

In the embodiments previously described, the pump vplungers are, in fact or in effect, integral with the cap. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate, by way of example, an embodiment in which the operative connection between cap andplunger is non-rigid or impositive. These figures also illustrate a construction in which a single valve unit performs the dual function of a check valve and a sealing closure for the discharge passage.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the cap |1| has a thread |12 engaging a thread |13 on the bottle. Above the thread |12, the cap has a stop shoulder |14 like the corresponding shoulders in the other embodiments. The attachment unit comprises a clamp ring |15 having a V-shaped bend |16 and a locking flange |11 like the corresponding elements in the other embodiments. In the present embodiment, the attachment has a stepped clamp ange |18, |19 which takes over the bottle lip. Between the lower step |13 and the bottle lip is compressed a sealing gasketl. Between upper step |19 and the supporting ilange |8| of the pump barrel gasket |83.

The bottom of the barrel |82 constitutes a valve seat for a floating disk valve |84. This valve controls an inlet port I 85. Movement of the valve is limited by the engagement of a series of lugs |89 with a bead |81 formed by pressing in the wall of the barrel. Slidable in the barrel |82 is a plunger |90 having a central bore I9I. In the top of the cap is a discharge port |92 the wall of which is tapered to form a valve seat |93. Port |92 communicates with a chamber |94 which, in turn, communicates with bore |9|, port, chamber and bore constituting the discharge passage.

The plunger I 90 is secured to a unit comprising a ring |95 having a sliding contact with'the wall ofchamber |94. To this end, ring |95 has a turned in bead |96 which takes into a circumferential groove formed in the wall of the plunger. The ring |95 terminates, at the bottom, in an outwardly turned ange |91 which underlies a shoulder I 98 formed in the cap. A sealing gasket |99 is carried by ange |91. Ring |96 terminates, at the top, in an inwardly turned flange 200. Spaced from shoulder |98 is an oppositely facing shoulder 20|.

In chamber |94 is a valve unit which performs the dual functions of a check valve and a sealing closure. To this. end, as here shown as an example, there is provided a valve unit comprising a hollow conical plug 204 having a surrounding iiange 285. This flange normally seats on the upper rim of plunger |90, being held to its seat by a spring 206. The ange is of such diameter that liquid can pass the same when the valve lifts from its seat. In closed position of the cap, plug 284 engages valve seat |93 to serve as a sealing closure for the discharge passage.

When the cap is unscrewed to disengage the threads, it is moved to open position (Figure- 13) by spring 201. Since the pump plunger is not positively connected to the cap and since the plunger, through valve unit 284, 205, is held down by spring 20B, the plunger remains relatively stationaryduring the first part of the cap movement. During this early cap movement, valve seat I 93 moves away from plug 204 to open discharge port I 92 for subsequent discharge of the liquid. Valve flange 205, however, remains seated, thus serving as a check valve and permitting the creation of a suction effect. As soon as the cap has moved far enough for cap shoulder 20| to engage flange |21, the plunger unit is picked up thereby and moved upward with the cap to the end of the suction stroke, spring 206 still holding valve ange 209 to its seat. l

When the cap is moved toward the bottle for the compression stroke, the plunger moves with it through the intervention of spring 206, it being noted that because of the creamy character of hand lotions and the like, for which this package is particularly designed, there is practically no frictional resistance between plunger and barrel.

On the plunger is a shoulder 208 which overlies the inner rim of gasket |83. In closing the cap, as soon as plunger |90 has been displaced inwardly far enough for this shoulder 288 to engage gasket 83, the plunger movement is checked and thereafter the cap moves down alone, the closing movement, of course, being a helical threading-engaging movement. During this closing final movement of the cap, the plunger and hence the 289 are, in effect, stationary, whereby the valve seat |93A moves into sealing relation with the plug, spring 206 being re-compressed.

|82, is a compressible sealing Upon the suction stroke, the bottle having been inverted, valve |84 moves away from its seat by gravity or suction or both to open the inlet port |85 and liquid is drawn into the pump chamber by suction r gravity or both. Upon the compression stroke, valve |84 is reseated and a charge is expelled through the discharge passage, valve unit 204, 205 yielding against its spring to permit the charge to pass.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate, by way of example, a modification similar in general to the construction of Figures 12 and 13, but in which the discharge passage is closed, in closed position of the cap, by a valve other than a plug valve and in which such valve also serves as a check valve.

As there shown, the bottle and the skirt of the cap are the same as in the construction of Figure 12. The attachment unit is also the same as in Figure 12 except that instead of a stepped clamp ange, the unit has a simple clamp flange like that of Figure and the compressible washer 2|I differs from washer |83 in size.

Extending into the barrel with a sliding t is a pump plunger 2| 2 having a central bore 2I3. This bore communicates with a chamber 2I4. At the top of the cap 2I5 is a downwardly extending boss 2IB having a central bore 2I1. This bore, the chamber 2 I4 and plunger bore 2|3 constitute the discharged passage.

The plunger is secured to thimble unit comprising stepped rings 2I8, 2|9 connected by a at flange 228, upper ring 2I8 being slidable in chamber 2|4. Lower ring 2I9 h as an inturned bead 22| which takes into circumferential groove formed in the wall of the plunger, to connect the parts. Beyond this bend, the thimble unit terminates in an outwardly and downwardly extending flange 222. This flange underlies a slanting shoulder 223 on the cap and ange 220 underlies a shoulder 224 on the cap. Between the latter shoulder and flange 220 is a compressible gasket 225. Spaced from shoulder 222 is an oppositely facing shoulder 228.

The upper end of the plunger 2 I2 and the lower end of boss 2 I 6 are dished to form valve seats for receiving a ball valve 221. This ball is normally pressed against the plunger seat by a spring 228 housed in chamber 2|4. In the closed position of the cap (Figure 14), the ball valve seats against both the plunger seat and the boss seat. This closes both bore 2I3 and bore 2I1 and provides a sealing closure for the discharge passage.

When the cap is unscrewed to disengage the threads, it is moved to open position by spring 229. During the iirst part of this cap movement, the plunger unit remains Stationary. The boss 2|6 thus moves away from ball 221, which is held down against the plunger by its spring, to open bore 2i?. As soon as shoulder 228 engages flange 222, the plunger unit is picked up thereby and is carried upward with the cap to the end of the suction stroke. Spring 228 still holds ball 221 to the plunger seat, the ball functioning as a check valve to Shut 01T communication to atmospherel 65 valve 221 are, in effect, stationary, whereby the mouth of boss 2|6, constituting the valve seat, moves into engagement with the ball valve, whereby the discharge passage is again sealed.

Except as stated, the construction and operation are the same as in the case of the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13.

An important feature of the invention in its entirety is the means by which, when the cap is screwed down to closed position, there is effected, simultaneously, an effective closing of the discharge passage and an keffective seal between cap and container. The closing of the passage is accomplished, in constructions embodying the invention to what is Anow considered the preferred form, by a tapered plug valve which engages a tapered valve seat, the plug and seat having a different degree of taper. The seal between cap and container is accomplished by compressing an intervening gasket as vthe cap moves into closed position. This not only assures a proper `sealing effect but, in addition, the non-rigid contact thus set up cooperates in yobtaining a proper closing of the passage.

Since the diierence in the degree of taper of valve and valve seat need be and should be but slight, it has been deemed impractical if not impossible to illustrate this difference in the various views above .referred to. It is illustrated, however, in Figure 19, .the showing being somewhat exaggerated for .purposes of illustration. It is to be understood that the construction shown in Figure 19, except for its exaggeration, is the construction of the valve and valve seat of the embodiment of Figures and 8.

lAs shown in Figure 19, the plug valve |25 is tapered at a greater angle with respect to the vertical than is the valve seat |26. In practice, the plug valve may be suitably tapered at an angle of about 13 and the valve seat at an angle of about 10.

Extending downwardly from the upper part of the cap (Figure '7) is an annular bead |35. It will be seen that as the cap moves into closed position, the initial engagement or contact between cap unit and container unit is the engagement between this bead |35 and gasket H2. The partsare so arranged that `bead |35 engages the gasket and compresses the same prior to any rigid stopping contact of the cap and container, such as that between 'the cap shoulder and clamp flange |94. In fact, the latter contact may or may not take place to any real extent. While Figure 7 shows or appears to show such contact, it will be understood that clearances and tolerances in devices of this kind are so small it is difcult to illustrate exact relations. In any event, the desired advance contact of bead |35 can be regulated by suitably dimensioning the depth of the bead and, if desired, the bead-to-gasket contact can be made the sole contact by cutting back the cap adjacent the bead.

When the cap is to be closed, there is no xed stopping position of the cap as far as the threads are concerned. That is, the cap may be screwed down on the container thread to any position within the limits of the thread engagement. During such closing, sealing contact is made at two points, namely, between the valve seat and the plug valve and between bead |35 and gasket ||2. As the cap moves down, the lower edge of the tapered valve seat engages the plug somewhere along its length. Thereafter, continued helical movement of the cap causes this lower edge to be brought against the plug with a grinding, wedging action whereby the lower edge or lower portion of the valve seat is wedged rmly against the plug and may even bite into the metal of the plug to a slight extent. The result is an extremely tight engagement between valve seat and plug over a limited but indefinite area that effectively seals the discharge passage against leakage, the further the cap is screwed down, the tighter the seal.

During this sealing engagement, bead |35` engages the compressible gasket ||2. As the cap is tightened on the thread, gasket ||2 is compressed. 'I'his not only insures a proper sealing effect between cap and container but the engagement Abeing non-positive, the compressibility of the gasket compensates for any variations, irregularities etc. in the valve-seat-to-valve engagement.

The construction described avoids the necessity of a tight fit between plug and valve seat throughout their lengths, which would be necessary if the valve seat and valve were of like degree of taper and which `is difcult of attainment, in commercial practice, with the materials and dimensions involved in devices of this nature. It also avoids the necessity of co-ordinating two rigid contacts, which would be necessary if the plug and seat were of like taper and the cap-tocontainer contact were positive and which is also difficult of attainment in commercial practice.

There is a further advantage of having the plug tapered at a greater angle than the valve seat in the case of constructions like Figures 7 and 8. Since the necessity for a tight t between the top of the plug and the upper rim of the valve seat is eliminated, any tendency of this rim to chip under closing engagement is largely if not entirely avoided.

It is to be understood that the plug valves and tapered valve seats of the other embodiments above described (except that of Figures 14 and 15 which has no plug) are correspondingly formed with tapers of unlike degree. In all these embodiments, also, there is a non-rigid cap-to-container sealing Contact complementing the valve seat-to-valve contact.

In the embodiments of Figures 1-3, the gasket 41 is engaged and compressed by a shouldered portion of the top wall of the cap. As appears in the drawings, this is the only stopping contact between cap and container.

In Figures 4 6, the only stopping contact is between the top wall of the cap and gasket 19.

In Figures 10 and 1l, the only stopping contact is between the outer rim of cap socket |51 and a gasket.

In Figures 12 and 13, the initial contact is between plunger shoulder Z8 and gasket |83. This last embodiment also has a supplemental nonrigid Contact between cap shoulder |98 and gasket |99.

While the device illustrated in Figures '7 and 8 may be assembled in various way, it is to be noted that the construction is such that the attachment unit and the cap unit may be assembled together at the factory, thus constituting an assembly unit which can be shipped as such to the packager and which includes everything but the bottle or other container. The partsy carried by the barrel are enclosed thereby. And while the supporting flange |||l and gaskets ||2 will be loose, V-shaped bend serves as a stop to prevent these vparts from dropping out. After the container is filled, the assembly unit is simply applied tothe container. This avoids the necessity of; severalassembly operations at the lling plant and also avoids the necessity of shipping a considerable number of separate parts.

As will be apparent, the variousother embodiments may be similarly shipped as assembly units.

While the present invention relates particularly to dispensing packages of the pump' type, it will be apparent that various features of the invention are applicable to devices not necessarily of this type.

Certain features above referred to are disclosed and claimed in a co-pending application Serial No. 714,069. l

What is claimed is 1. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt andl the container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, said cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a plunger operating in said barrel, an operating connection between said plunger and the cap, whereby the plunger is reciprocated upon axial reciprocation of the cap, said cap and plunger having a discharge passage for the expulsion of the liquid, and means for closing said discharge passage when the cap is in closed position.

2. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt and the container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a pump barrel extending into the container neck, said barrelv having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operating connection between the cap and said pump plunger, whereby the cap, upon disengagement of said inter-engaging elements, becomes a pumpactuating element, the cap and plunger'having a discharge passage, said passage having a valve seat, and a plug valve for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is in closed position, thereby to close said passage.

3. In a dispensing` package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt and the container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement,

a pump barrel extending into the container neck, said barrel having an inlet port, a floating valve for controlling said inlet port, said barrel having a portion of its wall struck inwardly to serve as a stop for limitingmovement of said floating valve, a. pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operating connection between the cap and said pump plunger, whereby the cap, upon disengagement of said inter-engaging elements, becomes a pumpactuating element, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, said passage having a valve seat, and a plug valve for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is` in closed position, thereby to close said passage.

4. In a dispensing package for liquids,v and; in combination, a container having a neck, a sklrted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt and thecontainer neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a` pump barrel extending into the container neck, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operating connection between the cap and said pump plunger, whereby the cap, upon disengagement of said inter-engaging elements, becomes a pumpactuating element, the cap and plunger having a.V

discharge passage, said passage having a valve seat, a plug valve for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is in closed position, thereby to close said passage, and a movable check valvenormally closing said passage.

5. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging screw threads on` the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to thecontainer neckwhensaid threads are disengaged, means for limiting. such movement,` a pump barrel extending into the container neck, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger carried by the cap and operating in said barrel, whereby the cap, upon disengagement cf said threads, becomes a` pump-actuating` element, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, said passage having a tapered valve seat, and a conical plug valve for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is screwed down on the container neck, thereby to close said passage.

6. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a pump barrel extending into the container neck, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger carried by the cap and operating in said barrel, whereby the cap, upon disengagement of said inter-engaging elements, becomes a pump-actuating element, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage including a vertical bore in said plunger, the lower mouth of said bore being tapered` to form a valve seat, and a conical plug valve for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is in closed position, thereby to close said passage.

7. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging screw threads on the container neck and the cap. skirt respectively, the cap being capable oi a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said threads are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a pump barrel extending into the container neck, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger carried by the cap and operating in said barrel, whereby the cap, upon disengagement of said threads, becomes a pump-actuating element, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage including a vertical bore in said plunger, the lower mouth of said bore beingv tapered to form a valve seat, the bottom of said barrel being dished upwardly to form a conical plug valve for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is screwed down on the container neck, thereby to close said passage.

8. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a pump barrel extending into the container neck, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger carried by the cap and operating in said barrel, whereby the cap, upon disengagement of said inter-engaging elements, becomes a pump-actuating element, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage including a tapered opening in the top of the cap constituting a valve seat, and a conical plug valve for engagementwith said valve seat when the cap is in closed position, thereby to close said passage.

9. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a, container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a pump barrel extending into the container neck, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operating connection between said plunger and the cap whereby the plunger is reciprocated upon axial reciprocation of the cap, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, and means for closing said passage when the cap is in closed position and for shutting off the same during at least the rst part of the opening movement of the cap.

10. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operative connection between said plunger and the cap whereby the plunger is reciprocated upon axial reciprccation of the cap, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, said passage having a tapered valve seat, a movable conical plug valve for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is moved down to closed position, thereby to close said passage, a spring tending to move the cap away from the container to open position upon disengagement of said interengaging elements, means for limiting such movement, a spring tending to hold said plug valve to its seat as the cap moves to open position, and means for checking such following movement of the plug valve before the cap-plunger unit reaches the end of said opening movement, whereby the discharge passage remains closed during the rst part of the opening movement of the cap-plunger unit and thereafter the valve seat moves away from said plug valve.

1l. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a

skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being Capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said interengaging elements are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operative connection between said plunger and the cap whereby the plunger is reciprooated upon axial reciprocation of the cap, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, said passage having a tapered valve seat, a movable conical plug valve for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is moved down to closed position, thereby to close said passage, a spring tending to move the cap away from the container to open position upon disengagement of said inter-engaging elements, means for limiting such movement, a spring tending to hold said plug valve to its seat as the cap moves to open position, means for checking such following movement of the plug valve before the capplunger unit reaches the end of said opening movement, whereby the discharge passage remains closed during the rst part of the opening movement of the cap-plunger unit and thereafter the valve seat moves away from said plug valve and means for limiting the movement of said plug valve in the opposite direction, whereby the plug is relatively stationary when the cap is moved down to closed position.

12. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said interengaging elements are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the Container neck and having an extension of smaller diameter, the annulus connecting the main barrel and said extension having an inlet port, a control valve therefor, a pump plunger carried by the cap and operating in said barrel, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, said passage having a tapered valve seat, a movable unit comprising (a) a plug valve for engaging said valve seat when the cap is moved down to closed position, thereby to close said passage, and (b) a sleeve slidable in said barrel extension, said sleeve engaging the bottom of the extension in closed position of the cap, a spring tending to move the cap to open position upon disengagement of said inter-engaging elements, means for limiting such movement, a spring tending to move said movable unit to hold said plug valve to its seat as the cap moves to open position, and means for checking such following movement of said unit before the cap reaches open position, whereby the discharge passage remains closed during the rst part of the opening movement of the cap and thereafter the valve seat moves away from said plug valve.

13. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said interengaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a pump barrel extending into the container neck, said barrel having 16; In a dispensing package for liquids, and: in combination, a container having a neck andi aan` inlet port, a valve for controlling said inlet port, a pump plunger carried by the cap and operating in said barrel, whereby the cap, upon disengagement of said inter-engaging elements, becomes a pump-actuating element, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, means for closing said passage when the cap is moved down to closed position, the barrel having a bypass port communicating with the interior of the container, a valve for said port, and means whereby said valve takes port-closing position during the latter part'of the movement or" the cap to open position andl port-opening position during the latter part of the movement of the cap to closed position.

14. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of av reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said interengaging elements are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the container neck and having an extension of smaller diameter; the annulus connecting the main barrel and said extension having an inlet port, a control valve therefor, a pump plunger carried by the cap and operating in said barrel, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, said passage having a` tapered valve seat, a movable valve unit comprising (a) a plug valve for engaging saidV valve seat when the cap is moved down to closed position, thereby to close said passage, and (b) a sleeve slidable in said barrel extension, said sleeve engaging the bottom of the extension in closed position of the cap, a spring tending to move the cap to openv position upon disengagement of said inter-engaging elements, means for limiting such movement, a spring tending to move said movable valve unit to hold` said plug valve to its seat as the cap moves to open position, and means for checking such following movement of saidk valve unit before the cap reaches openy position, whereby the discharge passage remains closed during the rst part of theiopening movement of the capl and thereafter the valve seat moves away from said plug valve, the barrel extension having a by-pass port so located that th-e sleeve of said movable valve unit, functioning as a shutter, closes said port when the valve unit is advanced by its spring and opens the same when the valve unit is moved back by the capplunger unit.

15. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck and a shouldered locking ring, a skirted cap associated therewith, interengaging threads on the cap skirt and container neck respectively, saidV cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said threads are disengaged, an attachment unit carried by the container and comprising (a) a clamp ring having a V-shaped bend taking under the shoulder of said locking ring, (b) a clamp ring taking over the lip of the container, and (c) a pump barrel suspended in the container, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operating connection between said plunger and the cap whereby the plunger is reciprocated upon axial reciprocation of the cap, the cap'and plunger having a discharge passage, and means for closing said passage when the cap is screwed down to closed position.

having an inlet port, a pump plunger operating:

in said barrel, an operating connection between said plunger and the cap whereby the plunger is reciprocated upon axial reciprocation of the cap, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, a stop shoulder on the cap skirt for engagement with said flange to limit axial movement of the cap, and means for closing said discharge passage when the cap is screwed down` to closed position.

17. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck and a shouldered locking ring thereon, a skirted i cap associated therewith, inter-engaging threads on the container neck and cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of axial reciprocation with respect to the container neck when said threads are disengaged, an atttachment unit comprising (a) a clamp ring having a V-shaped bend taking under the shoulder of said locking ring, (b)

a clamp flange taking over the lip of the con-` tainer, (c) a stop fiange formed as an extension of one leg of said V, (d) a supporting flange:

and (e) a pump barrel connected to said supporting flange and suspended thereby in the container, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a spring conned between said attachment unit and the cap tending to move the capl to open position, a stop shoulder on the cap skirt above the thread for engagement with said stop ange to limit such movement, a pump plunger connected to the cap and operating in said barrel, the plunger and cap having a discharge passage, said passage having a tapered valve seat, and a conical plug valve, carried by said barrel, for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is screwed down to closed position, thereby to close said passage.

18. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck and a shouldered locking ring thereon, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging threads on the container neck and cap skirt respectively, the` cap being capable of axial reciprocation with respect to the container neck when said threads are disengaged, an attachment unit comprising (a) a clamp ring having a V-shaped bend taking under the shoulder of said locking ring, (b) a clamp ange taking over the lip of the container, (c) a stop llange formed as' an extension of one leg of said V, (al) a supporting ange, (e) a gasket compressed between said supporting flange and the lip of the container, (f) a compressible gasket between said clamp ange and said supporting ange and (y) a pump barrelV connected to said supporting ange and suspended thereby in the container, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a stop shoulder on the cap skirt for engagement with said stop flange to limit axial movement of the cap, a pump plunger connected to the cap and operating in said barrel, the plunger and cap having a discharge passage, means forclosing said passage and means for compressing said compressible gasket when the cap is screwed down to closed position.

19. In a dispensing package 'for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck and a shouldered locking ring thereon, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging threads on the container neck and cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of axial reciprocation with respect to the container neck when said threads are disengaged, an attachment unit comprising (a) means for securing the unit to said locking ring, (b) a supporting ange, (c) a gasket compressed between said supporting flange and the lip of the container, (d) a compressible gasket above said supporting flange and (e) a pump barrel connected to said supporting lange and suspended thereby in the container, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, the inner periphery of said compressible gasket making wiping contact with said plunger, an operating connection between said plunger and the cap, the plunger and cap having a discharge passage, and means `lor closing said passage and means for compressing said second-named gasket when the cap is screwed down to closed position.

20. An assembly unit for attachment to a container to form therewith. a dispensing package, comprising a 'clamp ring having a V-shaped bend, a clamp flange, and a stop ange, a supporting flange, a barrel connected thereto, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, a skirted cap having an internal thread, a stop shoulder on the cap skirt located above the thread and underlying said stop flange, thereby to limit relative axial movement of the cap, a plunger connected to the cap, said pliniger and cap having a discharge passage, said passage having a tapered valve seat, and a conical plug valve carried by the barrel for engagement with said valve seat.

21. In a package for liquids and the like, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith and relatively movable thereto, a substantially circular metallic stop element carried by the container neck, and a stop shoulder on the inner wall of the cap skirt, the inner periphery of said shoulder defining an oval, the minor axis of said oval being less than the outer diameter of said stop element, whereby, upon assembly, said shoulder underlies part of the stop element to engage the same and limit relative movement of the cap, the major axis of said oval being slightly greater than said diameter, whereby said stop element can be distorted to oval shape and pass said shoulder during assembly of the cap with respect to the stop element.

22. In a package for liquids and the like, and in combinaton, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith and relatively movable thereto, a substantially circular metallic stop element carried by the container neck, and a stop shoulder on the inner wall of the cap skirt comprising a plurality of crescent shaped segments, the inner periphery oi the shoulder formed by said segments dening an oval, the minor axis of said oval being less than the outer diameter of said stop element, whereby, upon assembly, said shoulder underlies part of the stop element to engage the same and limit relative movement of the cap, the major axis of said oval being slightly greater than said diameter, whereby said stop element can be distorted to oval shape and pass said shoulder during assembly of the cap with respect to the stop element.

23. In a package for liquids and the like, and in combination, a container having a neck and a shouldered locking ring thereon, a skirted cap associated therewith and relatively movable thereto, an attachment on the container neck comprising a metallic clamp ring having a V- shaped bend taking under the shoulder of said locking ring, the lower leg of the V being extended to form an outwardly and downwardly extending stop flange, said flange being substantially circular, and a stop shoulder on the inner wall of the cap skirt, the inner periphery of said shoulder dening an oval, the minor axis of said oval being less than the diameter of the edge of said stop ange, whereby, upon assembly, said shoulder underlies part of the flange to engage the same and limit relative movement of the cap, the major axis of said oval being slightly greater than said diameter, whereby said ange can be distorted to oval shape and pass said shoulder during assembly of the cap with respect to the flange.

24. In combination with a container having a neck, a shouldered locking ring on` said neck, the outer periphery of said locking ring being an oval, and a metallic attachment on the container neck comprising a clamp ring having a V-shaped bend for engagement with the shoulder of the locking ring, said bend being substantially circular, the major axis of said oval being greater than the inner diameter of said bend, whereby, upon assembly, the bend underlies part of said shoulder, the minor axis of said oval being less than said diameter, whereby said Ibend can be distorted to oval shape and pass the locking ring during assembly of the attachment with respect to the container.

25. In a package for liquids and the like, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated respectively with the cap skirt and container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, a discharge passage associated with the cap, a tapered valve seat in said passage, and a tapered plug valve for cooperating with said valve seat to close said passage when the cap is in closed position, the taper of the plug valve being at a greater angle, with respect to the vertical, than the taper of the valve seat.

26. In a package for liquids and the like, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated respectively with the cap skirt and container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, a discharge passage associated with the cap, a tapered valve seat in said passage, and a tapered plug valve for co-operating with said valve seat to close said passage when the cap is in closed position, said valve seat and valve having a different degree of taper, and means for eiecting a seal between the cap and container comprising a compressible gasket between the lip of the container and the cap and a part for engaging said gasket to compress the same when the cap is moved to closed position.

27, In a package for liquids and the like, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging screw threads on the container neck and cap skirt respectively, a discharge passage associated with the cap, and means for simultaneously eiecting a closing of said passage and a seal between the cap and container when the cap is screwed down to closed position, said means comprising (a) a tapered plug valve for engagement with a tapered valve seat formed in said discharge passage, said valve and valve seat having a different degree of taper, and (b) a compressible gasket above the lipof the container and a part for engaging said gasket to compress the same prior to the engagement of any mutually rigid parts.

28. In combination with a container having a neck, a skirted cap movable relatively thereto, the top of the cap having a tapered discharge port constituting a valve seat, a conical plug valve supported by the container for engaging said Valve seat when the cap is` moved to closed position, a compressible gasket between the cap and the lip ofthe container neck, `the cap having a part for engaging said gasket to compress the same when the cap is moved to closed position.

29. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt and the container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, said cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging ele ments are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger integral with said cap and operating in said barrel, a discharge passagaand means for closing said passage when the cap is in closed position.

30, In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associate-d therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt and the container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, said cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging elee ments are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger carried by the cap and operating in said barrel, said plunger having a bore and a valve chamber communicating with f each other, the cap having a discharge port communicating with said chamber, port, chamber and bore constituting a discharge passage, a spring-pressed ball check valve in said valve chamber normally shutting off communication with said bore, and means other than and in addition to said check valve for closing said discharge passage when the cap is in closed position.

31. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt and the container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, said cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, a supporting element to which the plunger is secured and which has a slidable relation with the cap, the cap having a recess constituting a valve chamber and communicating with a bore in said plunger, the cap having a discharge port communicating with said chamber, port, chamber and bore constituting a discharge passage, a valve elements in said chamber having a portion for engaging the upper end of the plunger to close said bore and a portion for closing said port when the cap is in closed position, a Spring in said chamber for normally holding said valve unit to its bore-closing duty, and a shoulder on the cap underlying a portion of said supporting element and arranged to engage the latter during the latter part of the movement of the cap to open position and cause the plunger unit to move with the cap.

32. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt and the container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, said cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respectV to the container neckwhen said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel and relatively movable with respect' to the cap, the cap and plunger having a. discharge passage, an intervening spring between the cap and said plunger, means for causing the plunger to move with the cap, on opening movement of the cap, after a partial cap movement, said spring tending to cause the plunger to move with the cap whenv the cap is moved toward closed position, means for checking such movementof the plunger prier to the end of such closing movement of the cap, and means for closing the discharge passage when the cap is in closed position.

33. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a shou1 dered locking ring on said neck, an attachment unit comprising a part for taking under said locking ring to secure the attachment to the container and a pump barrel suspended in 'the con tainer neck, said barrel having a controlled inlet port, skirted cap movable relatively to said container neck, a pump plunger carried by said cap and operating in said barrel, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, and means for closing said passage in one position of the cap.

34. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt and the container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, said cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck When said interengaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a plunger operating in said barrel, an operating connection between said plunger and the cap, whereby the plunger is reciprocated upon axial reciprocation of the cap, said cap and plunger having a discharge passage for the expulsion of the liquid including a bore through said plunger, the lower end of said bore being fashioned to form a valve seat, and a plug valve in the lower end of said barrel for engaging said valve seat to close said passage when the cap is closed.

35 In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements respectively associated with the cap skirt and the container neck for releasably holding the cap in closed position, Said cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said interengaging elements are disengaged, means for limiting such movement, a barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a plunger operating in said barrel, an operating connection between said plunger and the cap, whereby the plunger is reciprocated upon axial reciprocation of the cap, said cap and plunger having a discharge passage for the expulsion of the liquid including a bore through said plunger, the lower end of said bore being fashioned to form a valve seat, a plug Valve in the lower end of said barrel for engaging said valve seat to close said passage when the cap is closed, and said plug valve being relatively movable in said barrel.

36. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container, a cap capable of a reciprocating movement with respect thereto, a pump barrel supported in the container, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operating connection between said plunger and said cap, whereby the plunger is operated upon reciprocation of the cap, said cap and plunger having a discharge passage, a Valve seat in said passage, and a plug valve for engaging said valve seat to close said passage when the cap is in closed position.

37. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operative connection between said plunger and the cap whereby the plunger is reciprocated upon axial reciprocation of the cap, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, said passage having a valve seat, and a movable conical plug valve for engagement with said valve seat When the cap is moved down to closed position, thereby to close said passage.

38. In a dispensing package for liquids, and in combination, a container having a neck, a skirted cap associated therewith, inter-engaging elements associated with the container neck and the cap skirt respectively, the cap being Capable of a reciprocating axial movement with respect to the container neck when said inter-engaging elements are disengaged, a pump barrel extending into the container neck and having a controlled inlet port, a pump plunger operating in said barrel, an operative connection between said plunger and the cap whereby the plunger is reciprocated upon axial reciprocation of the cap, the cap and plunger having a discharge passage, said passage having a valve seat, a movable conical plug valve for engagement with said valve seat when the cap is moved down to closed position, thereby to close said passage, and means for limiting the movement of said movable plug valve, the range of movement of such Valve being less than the range of reciprocating movement of said plunger.

BRENT F. CAHOON. 

